Working within a lot of the indie tropes it rails against, it falls victim to the same pitfalls. Fortunately, it has enough honesty and earnestness to make most of it work. Strong debut.
An almost 18 hour love letter to New York City. The first 6 episodes play like a video textbook (up to WWII), mostly covering major events and shifts in the city's past. It's fascinating... more
An almost 18 hour love letter to New York City. The first 6 episodes play like a video textbook (up to WWII), mostly covering major events and shifts in the city's past. It's fascinating, informative, awe-inspiring, and can grow a deeper appreciation for New York City in even its greatest admirers. The final two episodes (from WWII to 2003) build up to today with an emotional resonance culminating with 9/11. The impact of seeing that day unfold again is devastating, maybe even worsened by the deepened love fostered by the earlier parts of the series. You get a sense of just how vast, how diverse, how incredibly vibrant, how constantly evolving, how human a place can be, as well as what infrastructural changes support or destroy the human element of a city. The series is a lengthy commitment I recommend whole-heartedly, especially for those living in or around NYC. This series encourages a kind of interest and curiosity about the place that you live which certainly cannot hurt.
The legendary Otto Preminger directs this socially-minded, controversial story (something he often did) about a love triangle. Joan Crawford is the title character caught in the middle between Dana... more
The legendary Otto Preminger directs this socially-minded, controversial story (something he often did) about a love triangle. Joan Crawford is the title character caught in the middle between Dana Andrews as the adulterous, manipulative, hard-talking lawyer (Dan) and Henry Fonda as the resigned, emotional war veteran (Peter). Her loyalty see-saws back-and-forth in a vicious tug-of-war causing her emotional distress and even a trial as a witness (necessary for divorce back then?). I thought all three were excellent here, as well as the direction and script (incredibly insightful and subtle, often saying more in what is left out or with short, dagger-like phrases). The pacing is almost like a film noir with plot expectations thwarted several times throughout. The film is about balancing power within relationships, a woman's independence, and the human struggle of finding what we need, love and want (ideally, one and the same). A gem of American cinema worth finding.
Without generalizing about all animal researchers, the people that participated in Project Nim were largely deplorable, self-serving academics looking to fill their own narcissistic needs through the... more
Without generalizing about all animal researchers, the people that participated in Project Nim were largely deplorable, self-serving academics looking to fill their own narcissistic needs through the study of a chimpanzee. Unfortunately, the loser is the subject, Nim Chimpsky, removed from his natural habitat, raised among humans only and then discarded once his loan (yes, they loan animals for specific periods of time) had expired. It's now no secret chimps are intelligent animals that can communicate using sign language, but is the reward of finding out worth the cost? What do we really find out anyway? The documentary itself is excellent though - bearing a heavy influence from Errol Morris' style of recreated dramatizations and interview style. An in-depth look into the life of a chimpanzee and the torturous influence of humans meddling. The writers of Rise of the Planet of the Apes pretty much mirrored this story.
Another strong effort from Shane Meadows. His films are flawed and not usually getting to that next level, but something consistent is his heart; Somers Town is bursting with it. Brief and over... more
Another strong effort from Shane Meadows. His films are flawed and not usually getting to that next level, but something consistent is his heart; Somers Town is bursting with it. Brief and over before you know it, but not without having left an impact.
Mike Mills' sophomore feature is a remarkable leap forward from his debut (Thumbsucker). Taking more serious, more autobiographical content as his focus here, the result is full of life with several... more
Mike Mills' sophomore feature is a remarkable leap forward from his debut (Thumbsucker). Taking more serious, more autobiographical content as his focus here, the result is full of life with several moments of genuine emotional resonance. Topics like cancer, marriage, sexuality, family and leading a meaningful life are difficult to navigate with lightness and grace, but Mills manages just that. Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer and Melanie Laurent are all capable of these demanding roles and pull them off with flying colors. There are times it borders on the cute or clever pitfalls of some American cinema lately, but it mostly handles things free of irony or cliche. An honest, tender, elliptical film that illustrates the importance of embracing beginnings instead of dreading endings, staying in a state of constantly becoming, resisting stagnation and plateaus, being open to new things, and choosing to step outside of your comfort zone for things you care about. Really liked this.
If you're unfamiliar with Glenn Gould (as I am, for the most part), this is a pretty informative, comprehensive overview. It works to document his entire career, dig into his personal life, and as... more
If you're unfamiliar with Glenn Gould (as I am, for the most part), this is a pretty informative, comprehensive overview. It works to document his entire career, dig into his personal life, and as the title states, detail his inner life: no small feat. This ambitious undertaking is sure to ignore some facets, and unfortunately, that is the music itself. There are a fair amount of transitional pieces used or performance clips, but the music does take a backseat. However, that can be a good thing, as it is then the viewer's responsibility to seek out the music if they are so inclined. That aside, Glenn Gould is such an enigmatic, creative, eccentric personality, as well as an endlessly talented pianist (plus, add in that he died unexpectedly at 50), that this documentary will likely make you want to explore much more of this man's myth.
Fritz Lang is a master of storytelling. He takes this tale similar to Bonnie and Clyde and transforms it into a romantic, melancholic noir closer in tone to Romeo and Juliet. Henry Fonda gives an... more
Fritz Lang is a master of storytelling. He takes this tale similar to Bonnie and Clyde and transforms it into a romantic, melancholic noir closer in tone to Romeo and Juliet. Henry Fonda gives an unusually intense performance and Sylvia Sidney is perfect as the teary-eyed devotee willing to do anything to help her love. The film keeps you on your toes and doesn't let up. I'm surprised it's as obscure as it is considering all it has going for it.
A quiet (wordless) meditation on the nature of living beings and their interconnectedness. It's exactly what some have come to expect from films geared toward the artistic: contemplative, meandering... more
A quiet (wordless) meditation on the nature of living beings and their interconnectedness. It's exactly what some have come to expect from films geared toward the artistic: contemplative, meandering, very little plot. However, the strength of the images, the editing, and the spiritual/reincarnation narrative do more than enough to lift this film above the cliche adjectives that plague others of its kind. In essence, it is simply life unfolding in all of its natural cycles, some not commonly grasped, and then makes some theoretical leaps with how it all fits together (don't want to reveal too much). It's a unique achievement with uncommon views, which makes for an unforgettable viewing. Not a film that beckons a return but it stays with you and just might change the way you see things. Beautifully done and verging on profound.
To make a silent film today smells of a gimmick, but Michel Hazanavicius' The Artist is quite the opposite - a rich, creative, extremely enjoyable film. It's been said that it is a tribute to silent... more
To make a silent film today smells of a gimmick, but Michel Hazanavicius' The Artist is quite the opposite - a rich, creative, extremely enjoyable film. It's been said that it is a tribute to silent cinema, which it is, but I also found it more of a subtle nod to thoughtful filmmaking in general - where each shot and sound are carefully considered, constructed and pieced together. The great thing about silent cinema is that when it is good enough, you will not miss the dialogue. You might actually come away seeing how much dialogue is wasted in today's movies. The same goes for color or visual effects. Structurally, The Artist is a romantic drama following a silent actor's struggle to adjust to the changing times. The magic and transcendent moments though come from the acting (including a talented canine), the direction, the wonderful score - in short, the exquisite execution of some ingenious ideas. An inventive, joyous breakthrough with the rare skill of sweeping you off your feet.
Martin Scorsese has always been a deeply personal filmmaker, but his recent output has been astonishingly intimate. Hugo, both his first family-friendly and 3D film, takes this trend to new heights... more
Martin Scorsese has always been a deeply personal filmmaker, but his recent output has been astonishingly intimate. Hugo, both his first family-friendly and 3D film, takes this trend to new heights, overcoming the technical challenges of the new format, as well as infusing the entire work with his influence. It's nothing short of a brilliant fable and manages a bridge between orphaned children (future generations) and disintegrating film prints (past treasures) by way of their ability to save and be saved. Scorsese can be seen in Hugo (he grew up a solitary, asthmatic child without many friends) and Melies (an aging man with reverence for magic and imagination, especially expressed through movies); the love and appreciation for cinema is felt throughout with factual nuggets and a wistful montage of early film history. Melancholic undertones add layers to what Scorsese must feel is the end of an era but his optimism conquers. A sincere, thrilling, masterful achievement. A must-see.
A genuine classic from John Frankenheimer that raises the bar for tackling political issues through cinema (a mark not often reached before or since). Frank Sinatra plays one of his most powerful... more
A genuine classic from John Frankenheimer that raises the bar for tackling political issues through cinema (a mark not often reached before or since). Frank Sinatra plays one of his most powerful lead roles, Laurence Harvey is equally as good in his subtler performance and Angela Lansbury is the sinister and diabolical puppeteer. Nearly 50 years later and it still feels fresh, immediate, and electrifying. The direction, editing, and script are wonderfully taut and this tension is maintained throughout, merely building to the explosive ending. It's a political thriller in the truest sense, and psychological, conspiratorial elements aside, there is a lot of material layered within the complex story. One of the greatest Hollywood films ever made. Riveting stuff.
A truly heartwarming and infectious documentary about the best photographer you (maybe) never heard of. With no small effort from himself to avoid the limelight, Bill Cunningham has been chronicling... more
A truly heartwarming and infectious documentary about the best photographer you (maybe) never heard of. With no small effort from himself to avoid the limelight, Bill Cunningham has been chronicling NYC fashion with an ethnographer's eye for the past half of a century. Aside from his uniquely indiscreet style and photographs, Bill Cunningham almost lives like a modern-day Saint Francis - an awe-inspiring modesty, genuine care for his life's work, and joyful personality. New York City will be poorer without his presence, but is also extremely lucky to have been his home all this time. He sets the bar for integrity, passion, class and humility. The film does him justice and is that rare delight that had me smiling the whole way through. Bill might not have what society values (fame, wealth, power), but it's only because he's turned these things down repeatedly. Also, he has much more - a life he loves. Admirable profile of one of NYC's best-kept secrets.
They make me laugh; it seems like their hearts are in the right place. I just question how seriously others take their attempts at social justice. They seem to be written off or ignored as... more
They make me laugh; it seems like their hearts are in the right place. I just question how seriously others take their attempts at social justice. They seem to be written off or ignored as pranksters, and so it's maybe not so effective in enacting change. I guess awareness is the first step.
Samuel Fuller's House of Bamboo has Tokyo as its setting and it assumes the role of another character. Robert Stack is the undercover agent sent to infiltrate Robert Ryan's organized crime empire and... more
Samuel Fuller's House of Bamboo has Tokyo as its setting and it assumes the role of another character. Robert Stack is the undercover agent sent to infiltrate Robert Ryan's organized crime empire and this dramatic irony lends the entire film an undercurrent of tension, especially with Ryan showing his brutality and sharp nose for traitors along the way. There is also a love story that complicates things, but it is a mere overlay for the boiling pressures rising from within the secretive relationships. Ryan's arrogance and hubris pitted against Stack's cunning and sly confidence makes for a thrilling watch. It depicts Japan's transitional period of the time (rebuilding the post-war devastation with opportunists taking illegal risks), while also transforming the ending film noir genre of the time into a newly international (and full color, Cinemascope) hybrid that only Fuller could achieve. Enjoyable Hollywood, but with Fuller's thoughtful, incisive approach.
